€78000 raised by mobile industry Haiti fundraiser

Mobile operators O2, Vodafone, Meteor and 3, through the Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA), today announced that they have raised a massive €78,000 for the relief efforts in Haiti through a text-based fundraising initiative. Launched last Thursday, customers of each of the operators have been donating €5 to either UNICEF or Concern via text message. The campaign runs until midnight on Sunday (31st January), and the charities are hoping that the initiative will raise €100,000.

Liz Yeates, head of corporate fundraising at Concern Worldwide said: “Concern needs support to help 150,000 people in Haiti. A €5 donation will buy a blanket or high energy biscuits for people left with nothing due to the devastating earthquake.”

Melanie Verwoerd, executive director at UNICEF Ireland said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the texting campaign, and it has raised vital funds for our work in Haiti. With this support, UNICEF can provide children with lifesaving support and protection every day. With only a few days before the end of the campaign, we urge those who haven’t had a chance yet to get texting today – every text will help us save and rebuild children’s lives.”

Mobile phone users can support either UNICEF or Concern’s Haiti Appeals by texting either UNICEF or Concern to 57500. Every cent of the €5.00 will go to the charities to support their efforts in Haiti. When a customer donates €5.00 by sending a text to the shortcode, they will receive two text messages in return confirming their donation.